"Doctor, Shut Up and Listen"
...communication failure (rather than a provider’s lack of technical skill) was at the root of over 70 percent of serious adverse health outcomes in hospitals.
A doctor’s ability to explain, listen and empathize has a profound impact on a patient’s care. Yet, as one survey found, two out of every three patients are discharged from the hospital without even knowing their diagnosis. Another study discovered that in over 60 percent of cases, patients misunderstood directions after a visit to their doctor’s office. And on average, physicians wait just 18 seconds before interrupting patients’ narratives of their symptoms. Evidently, we have a long way to go...
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This is one interesting article. I knew that now it's such a big importance to make sure you know how to communicate to your patients, but I would've never guessed the statistics were that bad. The MCAT 2015 is pushing towards better understanding and communication with patients as it is a necessity to give better quality service and emotional support. There is a correlation between putting in those extra words of support to the patients and their health after seeing a doctor. This is what I would like to focus on when I become a physician one day and as a teacher in academic medicine.
ReplyDeleteWe always hear about "bedside manner," surely the biggest component of that is the ability to listen and communicate effectively. I'm glad the MCAT is bringing this new emphasis..
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